Election day is Nov. 4. Here’s a catch-all guide to early voting and how to register in Iowa.
Registering to vote
The deadline for pre-registering to vote in Iowa was Monday, but Iowa voters can register on the day of the election. A voter registration form, whether for pre-registration or on the day of the election, includes questions about date of birth, legal name, address, party affiliation and ID.
Valid forms of ID include:
- Iowa Voter Identification Card.
- Iowa Driver’s License.
- Iowa Non-Operator ID.
- U.S. Military ID or Veteran ID.
- U.S. Passport.
- Tribal ID Card/Document.
Voters must also provide proof of residence, which includes residential leases, utility bills, paychecks, government checks, property tax documents or other government-issued documents.
All voters must be U.S. citizens, Iowa residents, and 18 on or before election day. However, 17-year-olds can register to vote.
To update voter registration, submit a new voter registration form. Voters must update their registration if their address, name or party affiliation changes.
To check registration status, visit the Iowa Secretary of State’s website. The search includes the voter’s name and zip code, and displays the voting precinct location and registration information.
Absentee ballots and in-person early voting
Early in-person voting began Oct. 15 and ends Nov. 3, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Early voting is located at the Story County Auditor’s Office at 900 6th St., Nevada, IA.
Absentee voting began Oct. 15. Voters can request absentee ballots via applying to their County Auditor. A written application for a mailed absentee ballot must be received by the voter’s County Auditor no later than 5:00 p.m., 15 days before the election.
Voters must provide the following information when requesting an absentee ballot:
- Name.
- Date of birth.
- Iowa residential address.
- Voter Verification Number (ID Number).
- Iowa Driver’s License or Non-Operator ID Number or four-digit voter PIN located on the voter’s Iowa voter ID Card
- The name or date of the election for which you are requesting an absentee ballot.
- Party affiliation (only required for Primary Elections, which are held in even-numbered years).
- Signature and date the form was completed.
Absentee ballots must be completed following the instructions included and returned in the provided envelope. For more information, refer to the Iowa Secretary of State FAQ.